Plan early for your family's Christmas vacation in 2025

Research

Zach Griff Senior reporter | The Points Guy

By Sky Industry News

Jan 15, 2025

Thanksgiving and Christmas may have just passed, but experts advise that it's not too early to start planning for the 2025 holiday season. Early booking is encouraged to secure flexibility and savings during peak travel times such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's.

The period leading up to the 2025 holidays is expected to see high demand for flights and hotel accommodations. Booking early can help travelers avoid increased costs or limited availability. This approach also provides peace of mind and increases the likelihood of securing good deals.

Even if travel plans are not finalized, reserving options with flexible cancellation policies is recommended. Adjustments can be made later if necessary without financial penalties.

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Dynamic award pricing in hotels means that being flexible with travel dates can result in significant savings. For example, staying at certain hotels before December 20 can require fewer points than during peak periods.

Most major airlines allow flight bookings 330 to 365 days in advance, though this varies with budget airlines like Southwest Airlines and Spirit Airlines. Major U.S. carriers such as American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines offer no-fee cancellations on award flights, allowing travelers to adjust their itineraries without penalty.

Monitoring reservations for price drops after booking is advised since some airlines allow repricing online without needing a full cancellation process.

Travelers are encouraged to start earning points now to build balances ahead of last-minute holiday bookings. American Express offers cards with substantial welcome bonuses that could be beneficial for frequent travelers.

Finding family-friendly accommodations should also be prioritized early as larger suites or villas often sell out quickly. Most hotel chains open bookings about 11 to 13 months in advance.

In summary, demand for holiday travel continues to rise each year. Planning ahead ensures access to the best flights, accommodations, and redemption opportunities while taking advantage of flexible booking policies can make holiday travel more affordable and stress-free.